An unofficial look at China & the Beijing Olympic Games

Olympic Torch Protests – Who Says What?

There is no avoiding the Olympic Torch Protests – Bob is beginning to feel like this is the Beijing Olympics Protests Blog – so anyone wanting to read about something else check out the recent stories about Paula Radcliffe, Oscar Pistorius or the Great Firewall. If you are interested on the high-profile comments that have come following the protests surrounding the Olympic torch relay, read on.

Speaking in Tokyo ahead of a visit to the US, the Dalai Lama – who many Tibetans regard as their spiritual leader – said he felt China deserved to host the Games, but that protesters had the right to express themselves in non-violent ways.

“These events underscore why I believe the Bush administration has been wrong to downplay human rights in its policy towards China. At this time, and in light of recent events, I believe President Bush should not plan on attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing, absent major changes by the Chinese government.”

“On Thursday, members of the European Parliament will vote on a draft resolution calling on EU leaders to boycott the games if there is no resumption of dialogue between the Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama.”

Some senior and influential figures within the IOC are saying ‘we think it was a mistake, we think the torch relay should have stuck to its original plan’ – that is you light it in Olympia and you it is taken straight to the host city.

However, a few “pro-Tibet independence” activists attempted to sabotage the torch relay in London today, which is a serious violation of the Olympic spirit, as the Olympic flame belongs to the world, the spokesman said. The act will surely arouse the resentment of the peace-loving people, and is bound to fail.

Speaking in defence of the Games going to China, and of protesters at the torch relay Redgrave said that protest groups “have the opportunity to make their political points because of the Games going to Beijing. If we all pulled out now, they would not have that chance”.

Bob would just like to clarify a couple of issues. It has been difficult to write about the protests for a number of reasons, particularly because of ‘labelling’ the people involved. For the record Bob has opted for the phrases ‘pro-Tibet’ and ‘pro-China’ because this is simple, and in line with the general media. It is worth making the point however, that many of those protesting against the Beijing Olympics are in not Tibetan, but one of a number of other groups with a grievance with the Chinese government. Many of them, including ironically the Dalai Lama, are not anti-China either – the Dalai has spoken out in favour of China, and China’s right to host the Olympics, but simply demands more cultural/religious autonomy. Like-wise many of those who fall on the other side of the fence would not consider themselves pro-Chinese, but do not believe that the Olympics is the place for this discussion (Kelly Holmes and Paula Radcliffe for example).

14 Responses

I want to point out that the Dalai Lama’s autonomy aspiration is much more than cultural and religious. He demands a “Greater Tibet” incorporating neighboring Chinese provinces; he demands the ethnic groups other than the Tibetan out of this “Greater Tibet”; he demands the Chinese military out; he demands Chinese state and political organs out. Otherwise, he is totally pro-China. He even said that “Buddhism” will bring harmony and stability. Look, we Chinese who believe in something other than his brand of “Buddhism” have totally failed in this aspect. Obviously we are in a desperate state of needing his salvation. He is sooo pro-China!

Peter – Apologies, a slightly misleading BBC article headlined “Obama urges Bush Beijing boycott” (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7339943.stm) was to blame for the failure to distinguish the clear difference between Obama’s stance and that of Clinton. The truth is he has only urged Bush to ‘consider’ a Boycott.

Leo – You comment is particularly articulate and pursuasive. It certainly portrays a very different image of the Dalai Lama to that held in the UK (and most of the rest of the world outside China, perhaps). This is a superb example of the differences between ‘western’ and Chinese media. There has been a lot of discussion from either side of this divide, accusing the other of being biased – both sides have a strong case. This is an issue close to Bob’s heart.

It seems that Chinese and western media act almost in a vacuum of eachother, and few people have the opportunity to compare, and decide for themselves. This is partly (but not wholely) to do with the Chinese government’s control on media in it’s country. Increasingly however, through technology news is becoming freer, and people are given more opportunity to make their own minds up. The very fact that this discussion is taking place is testament to that.

Ah, I didn’t know Barrack said that, I thought he and Hillary were on the same page. But yeah, McCain would Boycott UNLESS something is done by the Chinese government. It’s a cheap ploy to get some easy PR points; I guess McCain and Obama are hedging but Hillary was the most egregious. According to the politico, one of her informal advisers, Richard Baum, recently resigned because of her “China basing”.

Oh yeah, if you are intereted about the back story of “Greater Tibet”, check out this posting on the dailyKos.

It’s most interesting to read the above comments, ranging from good intelligent ones to down right boring and crude – wonder if ashamed is ashamed of himself or what?
Politics, politics, politics, what would we all do in our spare time, unless we have politics to fight and argue over?
But, there is a time and a place to talk politics, there is a time to enjoy the exploits of Olympians. There is a time to bathe in the pure spirit of olympia.
So keep politics out of olympics, and out of all other sports.
Please visit http://support-olympic-spirit.blogspot.com/
and from there visit the top olympic sites / news, etc.

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